Dame Mary Berry, a beloved icon of British culture, continues to defy age as she enters her nineties with a remarkable spirit and zest for life. As she approaches the conclusion of her first year in this new decade, Mary has shared her secrets to staying healthy and vibrant in a recent interview with the Daily Mail. The 90-year-old former judge from The Great British Bake Off candidly expressed her thoughts on fitness, stating, "I don’t do gyms. What a waste of time!" Instead of traditional workouts, she finds joy in simpler activities, such as taking leisurely walks with her dog. Mary has also embraced lighter sports, enjoying her time with her husband, Paul Hunnings, who is 93. "What’s wrong with having a nice run out with a dog?" she added, hinting at her preference for outdoor activities over gym routines.
Her husband, despite his frail condition, remains an enthusiastic sportsman and is known for his skill in croquet. Mary affectionately mentions his good eye for the game, highlighting their shared love for the outdoors. She acknowledges her competitive spirit, noting, "Of course I'm competitive! It would be extremely difficult to maintain a 60-year-career if one wasn't, I suspect." This competitive nature might surprise some, but it is a driving force behind her long-lasting career in the culinary world.
Beyond her active lifestyle and extensive career—she is gearing up to appear in a new BBC program titled Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking—it is her family that keeps her optimistic about the future. "The best thing about turning 90 is that I'm well," she reflects. "I'm enthusiastic for the future. I have a wonderful family. I'm immensely fortunate that I still have my husband, who is 93. Many of my girlfriends are widows." This emphasizes the importance of relationships and community in maintaining a positive outlook, especially as one ages.
Mary has also joyfully embraced a new chapter in her personal life by moving with Paul to a charming four-bedroom home in Henley-Upon-Thames, Oxfordshire. "It's a perfect house for us," she remarked regarding their decision to relocate 30 miles closer to their children, Thomas, 57, and Annabel, 55. Tragically, Mary lost her son William in a car accident in 1989, which makes her current family ties all the more precious.
The couple downsized from their larger six-bedroom property in Buckinghamshire, but their new riverside residence is anything but small. The home boasts features such as an indoor pool, a tennis court, and a home gym—though Mary has made it clear that she doesn’t use the gym. Additionally, the property includes a separate cottage, a spacious double garage, and a dressing room that gives Mary a dedicated space to prepare for her appearances and endeavors.
As Mary continues to celebrate her life and career well into her nineties, one must wonder: What other unconventional paths might aging icons like her take to redefine health and vitality? How do you envision your own journey in the years to come, especially considering the challenges and joys that accompany aging? Please share your thoughts!
